Acer Timeline 1410/1810TZ Question

Yes, I've been to the main thread, turned it upside down and couldn't find an answer

The question is, does it *really* support 8GB of RAM, now that 200 pin DDR2 4GB SODIMMs are widely available?

I've tried dmidecode and it says it supports 8GB max capacity and 4GB per module. However, Acer's official specs says 4GB max. Specs listed on some other Asian sites say 8GB, and it seems nobody here has tried it.

Has anyone actually installed 8GB, and does it work? Because it's what I want to do. I absolutely need as much RAM as possible for what I do, regardless of the meagre CPU power on the Timeline.

If it's doesn't work I may just consider "sidegrade" to an HP dm3, but I prefer a 11.6" screen to a 13.3".

Thanks!

 

@wolfier: Interesting, as I have posted a similar question in the TM8172 thread about that model. Only one place can I find any specs for that model -- which says 4GB -- but I wonder if it will take 8GB.

While I was typing this, for some reason I just remembered that crucial.com has a memory configuration tester. I went to their home page -- RAM Memory Upgrade: Dell, Mac, Apple, HP, Compaq. USB drives, flash cards, SSD at Crucial.com and used the "Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool" and it indicates that my Travelmate 8172T maxes out at 4096MB.

However, I went to check for a Timeline 1410 or 1810 and was stumped since the Timeline series is not an option at Step #2.

So, you can download a RAM scanner utility at Memory upgrades from Crucial.com - About Crucial:Media Toolbox and see what it says. Good luck!

edited to add:
Oh, no! This is insanity! Using the downloadable memory scanner, it says my Travelmate has "Maximum Memory Capacity of 8192MB" ... contradicting the stored info from the 3-step advisor tool on their home page.

 

I'm almost tempted to install it just to see if it works...want to find someone who has actually done it first

The page says 4GB max...the utility that "guarantees compatibility" says "installed: 4GB, max: 128MB EDO RAM". LOLOL

 

It looks like there's a service manual on the net. Per forum rules it seems posting the link is not allowed, so I'll just say do a quick Google search and it'll be on the first page.

The North bridge supports 2 SODIMMs, 4GB each to 8GB, and the block diagram seems to say the SODIMMs are connected to the North bridge directly.

So in theory it'll work. I'll try tonight.

Question to Mod: I've reviewed the forum rules but couldn't find the clause that forbids links to a service manual? I guess it's probably proprietary information?

 

I'm in no hurry, I just want to know if I have the option in the future to upgrade it when Windows 8, 9 or 12 seem sluggish. My last Travelmate lasted from WinXP to Vista through to Win7.

I posted on the crucial.com forum to see why the discrepancy.

 

There's an example where someone reports that on a similar Acer laptop to support only 4GB on spec, works with two 4GB sticks.

https://blogs.blackmarble.co.uk/blo...works-8gb-ram-in-my-acer-travelmate-6593.aspx

So my hopes is high that Acer actually lied to us when it says "supports up to 4GB".
The statement was probably meant to be a short form of "at this time, only supports 4GB since 4GB SODIMM modules don't exist".

 

Okay. No more speculation.

It works. Windows 7 64-bit boots up and reports 8192 MB RAM, on an otherwise stock Aspire Timeline 1810TZ.

Meaning, hopefully no need for upgrade for a few years to come.

Cheers!